Bridges straits and lights The strait between Narragansett Bay and Mount Hope Bay is only about 600 yards wide with a couple of small islands, sand bars and rocks thrown in for interest. A dangerous place to sail through at the best of times and very interesting in foggy or bad weather. So it was recognized a long time ago that some help for mariners would be nice and a small lighthouse was built here in 1855. Only about 30 feet tall and had a small 6th order Fresnel lens that was later upgraded to a 5th order lens. The light not only helped the boats get through the strait but also assisted the Bristol Ferry than ran across the treacherous area. A very useful little lighthouse that did it’s job well and prevented many accidents. Then in 1927 the hulking Mount Hope Bridge was built between Bristol and Aqidneck Island so both the ferry and the lighthouse were no longer needed. The huge bridge served as a great navigational aide, as long as the boats didn’t run into it or course. The lighthouse remained but since it isn’t easy to see from land it was forgotten and slowly fell into a rather sorry condition. Paint was chipping off and it definitely needed so TLC. Fortunately some great new owners spent time restoring the lighthouse to it’s former cute little self and now sits proudly under the huge bridge. It’s private and never open to the public but good views can be seen from the water or by the landing under the bridge. This is a residential house so don’t get too close and respect their privacy. The combination of the looming bridge, cool straits and lovely little lighthouse makes for a very special place indeed.
